Women Priests

Re the Church of England’s ordination of women priests:

“Bravissimae” to the 32 women who followed the call in their hearts to priestly ministry. Their fidelity in the face of opposition and bitterness is truly inspiring. And congratulations to the Church of England for having the courage to so painstakingly discern such a controversial and important issue.

The Church of England’s decision to ordain women into the priesthood came after decades of listening to the spirit found in Scripture, in tradition, and in the hearts of the faithful. This is why these women’s ordination, as painful as it is for the dissenters to accept, can only bring blessings to a community that believes as Jesus did, that spiritual authority and holiness originate not in maleness or femaleness, but in faith in God, and in love of God and neighbor.

It is a cause for great celebration that this basic spiritual truth is complementing the Anglican priesthood.

Hopefully, one day soon, the 400,000-member Roman Catholic priesthood will also realize this truth.

The Rev. TERRANCE A. SWEENEY

Sherman Oaks